City Council Committee Approves Mayor’s Property Tax Plan Legislation
Last week, a City Council Committee approved Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s legislation to reduce Baltimore’s effective property tax rate by 20 cents by 2020 for Baltimore City homeowners. The plan will target future property tax reductions to homeowners through a newly-created homeowner’s tax credit program funded with revenue generated from the City’s future slots location and by responsibly reducing City spending over several years. Under the proposal, an owner-occupied home in Baltimore assessed at $200,000 would see an annual tax reduction of $40 in 2013, growing to $400 by 2020.
Under the Targeted Homeowners Tax Credit legislation, all Baltimore City homeowners who currently qualify for the Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit will qualify for the new credit.
Apply for the Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit
Baltimore City homeowners who haven't already applied for the Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit have until the end of the year to do so, or they will lose it in the tax year beginning July 1, 2013. The statewide homestead program is only for primary residences. In Baltimore City, the program keeps the amount of assessed value a homeowner is taxed on from increasing more than 4 percent a year. New buyers must apply for the credit within six months of purchase, while all others have until December 31 of this year.
Many property owners may be unaware if they are registered. To assist property owners, the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation has launched an online feature that notes whether a property's application is in and processed. To check the status of an application, homeowners can visit the Real Property Data Search website and type in their address.
If the State received and processed your homestead application, that will be noted at the bottom of the property's page, under the heading "Homestead Application Information."
Nominate “Baltimore’s Top Neighborhood Moms!”
Neighborhood associations are encouraged to submit nominations for this year's Top Neighborhood Moms. You may download and fill out the nomination form, listing the sponsoring group, the nominee, how she helps your neighborhood and the reasons your "Neighborhood Mom" should be recognized for her work. (The woman you nominate does not need to be an actual mother but someone who has given motherly love through her work to your community.) Deadline is Friday, April 20, 2012. For more information, contact Marva Williams by telephone at 410-545-7983 or via e-mail at marva.williams@baltimorecity.gov.
FEDirect Federal Job Application Workshop
Baltimore City’s One-Stop Career Center Network recently introduced the FEDirect Federal Job Application Workshop to provide jobseekers with the skills they need to successfully compete for positions with the federal government. The workshop curriculum includes background information about the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, which has brought thousands of new federal jobs to Maryland, an overview of the security clearance process, and tips for federal resume writing, among other topics. The workshop is free, but participants must pre-register and meet several eligibility requirements. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for April 5 and 18; May 11 and 22; and June 8 and 20, 2012. For more information, contact any of the city’s One-Stop Career Centers, or Mike Volk at wvolk@oedworks.com.
Baltimore Integration Partnership RFP for Bridge Programs and Workforce Training
This RFP seeks to identify partners who can advance the Baltimore Integration Partnership Training Fund’s goal of connecting low-income residents of partner communities to employment opportunities via appropriate, high quality occupational training and/or pre-employment bridge training that meets the needs of employers for a skilled workforce. Grants will be made to eligible community organizations, public entities, educational institutions, and their business partners. Deadline to Apply: April 15, 2012. More information
Ravens Act Foundation Accepting Applications For Plan In Motion Grants
For the sixth consecutive year, the Baltimore Ravens All Community Team Foundation is continuing the Ravens Plan in Motion project, which provides grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations that create and/or continue programs or projects increasing physical activity among area youth and seeks to encourage healthy youth activities. Programs or projects must be directed at youth (5-18) and must promote physical fitness and/or nutrition education. Nonprofits must illustrate a programming component with measurable goals in order to be considered. Through the Ravens Plan in Motion project, the RACTF will not consider funding for the construction of buildings/fields/etc. Programs or projects must take place in Maryland. Ravens Plan in Motion grant applications are being accepted from April 2-May 31 and are available at www.BaltimoreRavens.com/PlanInMotion.
Clean Community Competition
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Department of Public Works challenge Baltimore City communities to get back to basics and join in tackling sanitation challenges block by block. All official community associations are invited to participate in this friendly competition. Communities will be judged on a variety of categories. Keep a scrap book for the judges, documenting your hard work and showing off your great results! Winning communities will receive cash prizes to benefit their community association and activities. The competition kicks off April 21 and runs through October 19. Winning communities will be announced at the Mayor’s Fall Clean Up on Saturday, October 27. Registration is required and ends April 9. Call 311 for more information or to register.
2012 Baltimore Citizen Survey
The annual Baltimore Citizen Survey aims to identify trends in behavior and attitudes regarding quality of life indicators and City services. Survey results will be used to inform and enhance program planning and policy development across all City agencies, to create more focused, responsive, and efficient government services. The survey randomly selects approximately 1,800 residents to complete the telephone survey. It is being conducted from April to June for 2012. There is also an online survey available that acts as a supplement to the phone survey. The online survey is an unscientific collection of responses. Take the online survey
Community Development Project: Free Legal Advice for Nonprofits
The Community Development Project, a program of the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, provides free legal assistance to nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and revitalize low-income communities in Maryland. To receive an application, contact Blair Inniss at Blair@mvlslaw.org. For more information about the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, visit www.mvlslaw.org.
Free Legal Services to Community Associations and Nonprofits
Community Law Center, a nonprofit law firm, provides legal services to community and nonprofit organizations throughout Maryland to promote stronger and more vibrant neighborhoods. Contact CLC if your organization needs assistance with any legal matter, ranging from drafting bylaws, incorporating, and obtaining 501(c)(3) status to representation before the zoning and liquor boards. For more information and for an application for legal services, see www.communitylaw.org.
Baltimore CASH Campaign Tax Preparation
The Baltimore CASH Campaign strives to provide working families access to the tools and services needed to maximize their earning dollars. Free services are provided to taxpayers with incomes under $50,000 and single taxpayers (no dependents) with incomes under $25,000. Come to a free tax preparation site to see what you may qualify for. Trained and certified volunteers will prepare and e-file your taxes for free, and even help you direct deposit for a faster refund. For more information
Call for Artscape Entries
The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is seeking visual and performing artists for the 31st annual Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival, scheduled for July 20-22. Arts organizations, artisans, theater and classical music companies, as well as children’s entertainers can apply. Applications are available online at www.artscape.org. Deadlines for submissions vary.
Summer Food Service Program Seeks Sites
Baltimore Housing’s Office of Community Services is pleased to offer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Thousands of children in Baltimore rely on the meals provided at school. When schools close for the summer, children miss out on free or reduced-price meals. Through the SFSP, children can continue to receive nutritious meals while on break. The SFSP is seeking community organizations to become feeding sites. Meals are provided at no cost to the children and are prepared daily and delivered fresh to feeding locations. For more information about the 2012 Summer Food Service Program, or to become a feeding site, visit www.baltimorehousing.org/food.
Community Calendar
11th Annual City of Baltimore Procurement and Outreach Fair
Thursday, April 5, 8:00 am-12:00 noon, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 1400 W. Cold Spring Lane. This fair is an opportunity for businesses to network with City, State and Federal quasi-public government agencies, financial institutions and corporate companies to increase procurement opportunities with the City of Baltimore. Admission and parking is free to the public. Pre-registration is not required. For information about exhibitor opportunities, contact the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development at 410-396-3818.
Friday, April 6, 2012 : Baltimore City Good Friday Holiday Service Changes
• No curbside waste or recycling collection.
• Trash or recycling that is normally collected on Fridays will be collected on the make-up day.
• NO BULK TRASH collection scheduled.
• Citizen Convenience Centers WILL BE CLOSED, including Quarantine Road Landfill.
• City buildings WILL BE CLOSED, with the exception of Police Headquarters.
• Citizens will be unable to access city offices for bill payments or permits. Some bills can be paid online. Please visit www.baltimorecity.gov.
• Parking meters WILL be in effect.
Take Steps to Foster Care
Saturday, April 7, 11 am-3 pm, Delta Community Center, 2501 Springhill Avenue. Presented by Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and WIN Family Services. Workshop includes Panel Discussions, Facts & Myths, Success Stories, Catered Lunch, and Easter Egg Hunt.
Live Baltimore presents 3 Steps To the Buying Into Baltimore $4,000
Get Local at a Neighborhood Pop Up! Neighborhood Pop Ups are a casual way for homebuyers to connect with neighborhood associations and people who already live there. You'll also get to walk through homes for sale, and learn about incentives you can use toward buying your home – including the $4,000 Buying Into Baltimore West Event on May 12!
April 11 Pop Up: Barre Circle, Hollins Market, Pigtown, Ridgely's Delight, and Union Square
April 18 Pop Up: Hampden, Medfield, Remington, Reservoir Hill, and Wyman Park
April 25 Pop Up: Cheswolde, Cross Country, Glen, Fallstaff, and Mount Washington
Druid Heights CDC/Charles R. Uncles Senior Plaza Health Fair
Thursday, April 12, Charles R. Uncles Senior Plaza, 607 Pennsylvania Ave. Participate in health screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and more. Free giveaways. Featuring Maryland General Community Van, Mental Health, Maryland Food Bank, Bravo Health, Johns Hopkins (CARES) Safety Center. For more information, please contact Jeri Manning at 443.872.0683.
Baltimore Community Action Partnership Foreclosure Workshop
Saturday, April 14, 10:00 am, Northwest Community Action Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road. Are you, your landlord, or someone else you know facing foreclosure and need help? Get FREE one-on-one legal advice and referrals. Attorneys and paralegals will provide individualized advice on how to assert your rights. Please bring all paperwork related to current mortgages, settlement and lender statements; foreclosure notices or threats of foreclosure, and any other case documents you have. For information or registration, please contact Pete Pakas at 410-545-6958.
BARCS Pet Adoption Events
April 14-15, various locations. Join the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter for adoption events in April, and meet adoptable cats and dogs that need a loving home. For more information and complete schedule
Historic Tax Credit Workshops with Baltimore Heritage
Tuesday, April 17, AIA Baltimore Basement gallery, 11 1/2 West Chase Street. Baltimore Heritage's historic tax credit workshops offer a brief introduction to Maryland Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program, a 20% refundable income tax credit program for homeowners working on rehabilitation projects in designated historic districts — together with information on the Baltimore City historic tax credit for homeowners and businesses. RSVP today! Questions? Contact Eli Pousson, Field Officer at pousson@baltimoreheritage.org or 301-204-3337.
Baltimore Builds: Workshop Series: Learn How to Purchase City-Owned Property
Wednesday, April 18, 6pm-7pm, Druid Heights CDC, 2140 McCulloh Street. Free admission. Seating is limited and pre-registration required! Register Today. Call the Baltimore Housing Office of Land Resources at 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. For more information, please visit the Vacants to Value page at www.baltimorehousing.org or find us on Facebook.
How to Start and Maintain a Nonprofit Organization
Thursday, April 19, 6:30 – 8:30, Community Law Center,3355 Keswick Road, Suite 200. Understand the legal and practical considerations of running a nonprofit. This workshop is ideal for community leaders who are currently members of – or plan to start – a small nonprofit. Click here to register.
Baltimore City Vendor Development Series for Minority and Women Business Enterprises
Small Business Resource Center, 1101 E. 33rd Street, Suite C-307. Mondays: April 9, 16, 23, and 30, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The Vendor Development Seminar Series introduces minority-owned and women-owned businesses to the proper policies, procedures and processes, including the law for conducting business with the City of Baltimore. Cost: $25.00 per class. For more information and to register, contact the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Ow ned Business Development at 410-396-3818.
12th Annual 5K Victims’ Fund Run and Walk or 1 Mile Walk
Saturday, April 21, 9:00 am, Patterson Park, 2601 Baltimore St. Sponsored by the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City. All proceeds will directly benefit crime victims. Entry fees are $20.00 if registered by April 20th and $25.00 on day of race. Register online at www.charmcityrun.com. For additional information call 410-396-1897 or email fundrun@statttorney.org.
Baltimore Builds: Workshop Series: Using the FHA 203K Program for Rehab Financing
Wednesday, April 25, 6pm-7pm, Park Heights Alliance, 4151 Park Heights Avenue. Free Admission
Seating is Limited & Pre Registration Required!! Register Today. Call the Baltimore Housing Office of Land Resources at 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. For more information, please visit the Vacants to Value page at www.baltimorehousing.org or find us on Facebook.
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